Women are Becoming Staples in Motorsports

Think back to 10 years ago, the year 2000. That doesn't seem like that long ago, does it? But even back then a woman in a firesuit at a professional automotive racing event was something that was almost unheard of. There had been female drivers in the past, but nothing like this new group of girls that are coming through the ranks.

There are women racing in every major auto racing series besides NASCAR's Sprint Cup and Formula One. This year is already in the Indy 500 record books for two reasons regarding women. Pippa Mann became the first woman to grab a pole at Indy when she qualified for the Firestone Indy Lights series race. No woman in any racing series had accomplished before. Then, a record number of five women tried to qualify for the big race, four of whom made it in. One of the more amazing feats by one of those ladies is the story of Sarah Fisher, who not only drives the car, but also owns the team.

These ladies aren't the only ones making waves in the automotive racing community. In the NASCAR Camping World Truck series, one lady, Jennifer Jo Cobb, is running full-time. She plans to run next year in the Nationwide series. The Nationwide series is no stranger to women being in the drivers' seat, however. This year, two ladies are running part-time in the series. Holding it down are Indy Racer, Danica Patrick, and Chrissy Wallace, who has a legendary family racing background. Probably the most successful women would be those involved in the NHRA. There are ladies in each of the top divisions of the NHRA, with six women in the Pro Stock Motorcycle Division alone!

Times have changed and women are no longer looked at as outsiders. With an all girl team starting the Le Mans race, a girl who is part of a Grand-Am road racing team, and the amazing amount of ladies just waiting in the wings as up and coming racers, it's safe to say women aren't going anywhere anytime soon!

Photo Credit: IndyFanPhotos

Read more from Amanda Martin at Female Racing News